11 Ways to Upgrade Hot Cross Buns for Easter

Baking, Breakfast, Easter, Spring
on March 20, 2017

Hot cross buns are an Easter staple, but if you’re tired of the classic, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up 11 upgrades—unique add-ins, presentation ideas and even a few ways to spruce up stale leftovers.

 

Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia Hot Cross Buns

Instead of traditional currants, try studding your buns with dried cranberries, white chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia Hot Cross Buns

The Adventure Bite

 

Pear and Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

This earthy, comforting take on hot cross buns features gooey chocolate chunks and pears.

Pear and Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

The Brick Kitchen

 

Earl Grey Hot Cross Buns

Replace water with strongly brewed earl grey and you end up with this hybrid treat, begging to be served with afternoon tea.

Earl Grey Hot Cross Buns

Izy Hossack | The Kitchn

 

Chocolate and Orange Hot Cross Buns

The classic flavor combo of chocolate and orange adds a little interest to traditional buns.

Chocolate and Orange Hot Cross Buns

Marsha’s Baking Addiction

 

Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns

These buns are studded with a combination of dried apple and candied apple and doused in a sticky cinnamon glaze. Just get a load of that stunning presentation!

Apple and Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns

Gourmet Traveller

 

 

Over the buns? Try these hot cross bun-inspired recipes.

Hot Cross Bun Loaf

All of the classic flavors you love baked into a single loaf.

Hot Cross Bun Loaf

Williams Sonoma

 

Orange and Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Loaf

Another way to transform buns into a loaf, this time maintaining those iconic crosses.

Supergolden Bakes

Orange and Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Loaf

 

Hot Cross Pancakes

Your standard buttermilk pancake gets a hot cross bun twist—cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, currants and citrus zest.

Hot Cross Pancakes

Joy the Baker

 

 

Need to dress up store-bought buns or revive stale leftovers?

Hot Cross Bun Pudding

Thirty minutes of soaking before a trip to the oven makes this bread pudding variation ultra moist.

Hot Cross Bun Pudding

Tasha Seccombe for The Pretty Blog

 

Hot Cross Bun French Toast

This decadent take on French toast calls for only five ingredients.

Hot Cross Bun French Toast

Mad Love Food for Food52

 

Hot Cross Bread and Butter Pudding

How cute are these single-serve ramekins? The perfect way to bake and serve your pudding!

Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding

Capital Cooking